Stay Safe Around Water
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Improve your safety around beaches, rivers, lakes and public or private swimming pools. Remember to:
- be aware of the local water environment and weather conditions before entering the water
- obey all water safety signs
- don’t drink alcohol while recreating around water, or when supervising children
- and make sure there’s someone looking out for you.
How to Stay Safe around water
Check the Weather
It’s important to check the weather before you head out for water activities. You should always check:
- weather warnings for your activity area
- weather conditions – will they affect your safety or comfort?
- wind conditions and expected wind changes.
The Bureau of Meteorology provides a forecast service, flood warnings and marine services for local waters, coastal waters and open ocean activities.
At the Beach
Victoria’s most popular beaches are patrolled by lifesavers during the summer months, until the season ends at Easter. Information about patrolled beach locations, and times, is available on the Beachsafe website.
Remember, always swim between the red and yellow flags, and never swim alone.
Rip currents
Rips are the number one hazard on Australian beaches. On any given day, there are about 17,000 rips at beaches around Australia
More information on Rip Currents can be found at Surf Life Saving Australia.
At Home
Water is fun and enjoyable for children. However, it can also be a safety hazard to young children.
Never leave your child alone in the bath, or in the care of an older child.If you have to leave the bathroom, take your child with you.
Always empty the bathtub, buckets and sinks immediately after use.
Home pools and Spas
Home pools and spas are a real danger for young children and are required by law to have suitable safety barriers. Never take your eyes off children around water.
- Always supervise children in and around the pool.
- Ensure your pool/spa fence is compliant – check and maintain it regularly.
- Never leave pool gates propped open.
- Always empty inflatable pools and paddling pools immediately after use.
- Ensure your children learn to swim.
- Learn CPR and display a resuscitation chart on your pool fence.
More information and tips on keeping children safe around water is available on the Kidsafe Victoria website.
Book a course today by clicking here or calling us on 1300 301 193.
For more information check out Water Safety on the Vic.Gov website at https://www.vic.gov.au/water-safety
